Social Pharmacy in Health Care

Motivation of employees during the war period as a component of professional pharmaceutical ethics: analysis and ways to improve it

A. I. Dub, I. P. Stechyshyn, M. B. Demchuk , O. O. Pokotylo, A. R. Shtogun — Mon, 26 May 2025 00:00:00 +0300

Aim. To analyze the motivational factors affecting productivity of pharmacists during the war period in Ukraine, with an emphasis on socio-demographic characteristics, stress levels, changes in workplace safety measures, specificity of the professional activity, and off-duty engagement. Particular attention is paid to the impact of the professional burnout and the development of effective strategies for improving motivation, reducing the staff turnover, and increasing the labor productivity in times of crisis.

Materials and methods. A questionnaire survey, system analysis, and graphical presentation of results were applied. The questionnaire consisted of a general part and a specialized part (motivational aspects based on A. Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, including physiological, safety, social needs, and self-actualization).

Results. According to the survey, more than a quarter of pharmacists (27.4 %) experience a daily stress negatively affecting their motivation and work efficiency. Approximately half of the respondents (47.3 %) noticed changes in safety measures after the introduction of martial law, which, although improving the level of security, also increased the workload for employees. The importance of extracurricular activities to maintain the emotional stability was recognized by 67.9 % of respondents; among the most common activities were meetings with family and friends, reading books, and outdoor recreation. Important motivational factors include the opportunity to help others, professional development, and financial stability. 78.9 % of respondents emphasized the importance of increasing financial compensation, but 50.2 % considered regular breaks to be important for improving motivation. 33.8 % of respondents supported the introduction of psychological support programs, being necessary to reduce stress and burnout among employees.

Conclusions. Adapting motivational approaches to martial law is essential for reducing stress levels, minimizing burnout, and improving the work efficiency of pharmacists. The implementation of psychological support programs and the formation of favorable conditions for the personal development are especially important in crisis settings.

Improvement of the activities of state healthcare institutions based on digital marketing

O. V. Posilkina, T. Ye. Krasnopolska, A. G. Lisna — Mon, 26 May 2025 00:00:00 +0300

Aim. To develop scientific and practical approaches aimed at improving the activities of state institutions in the field of healthcare based on the implementation of the marketing management concept focused on the use of digital technologies, increasing the digital competence of the personnel and optimizing the interaction with target audiences.

Materials and methods. Scientific methods, such as the analysis of literary sources, legislative and regulatory acts, information sites on the Internet, as well as the system approach, the structural and logical method, methods of comparison, comparison and generalization, the graphic method for visualizing the material presented were used.

Results. The changes that have occurred in marketing management in the healthcare sector in recent decades have been analyzed. The conditions for the sustainable development of the marketing concept of management in state healthcare institutions have been studied. The directions for integrating digital technologies into the marketing strategy of state healthcare institutions have been determined. The advantages of using CRM systems, BIG DATA, telemedicine and social networks to optimize the processes of the interaction between public institutions and the population (patients) have been analyzed.

Conclusions. The features of marketing management in state healthcare institutions have been studied. Within the framework of the development of marketing management in the public healthcare sector, four stages have been identified, each of which is characterized by certain changes in views on management priorities, the features of communication strategies and the use of the latest technologies. To implement the concept of digital marketing in the activities of state healthcare institutions, an integrated system for improving the digital competencies of the medical personnel has been developed, and an appropriate algorithm for organizing the staff training has been proposed.

Application of therapeutic exercises for comminuted fractures of the elbow joint in the post-immobilization period

Prokopov Prokopov, O. M. Myatyga — Mon, 26 May 2025 00:00:00 +0300

Aim. To assess the effectiveness of the physical therapy program based on therapeutic exercises using a block system, an upper limb simulator and weights for patients with comminuted fractures of the elbow joint in the post-immobilization period.

Materials and methods. Analysis of special literature on the problems of using physical therapy tools for elbow joint fractures; objective/subjective scales for assessing the effectiveness of rehabilitation intervention and the degree of severity of disorders according to the IFC categories and levels of “structure/function” and “activity/participation”, including goniometry; manual muscle testing; visual analog pain scale; scale for measuring limitations of the shoulder, arm and hand (Quick Disability of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand Outcome Measure (QuickDASH); pedagogical methods (compilation of a physical therapy program); methods of mathematical statistics were used.

Results. The effectiveness of the impact of the physical therapy program, which includes therapeutic exercises of various directions using a block system and a simulator for the upper limb, as well as weights, on the functional state of body systems for patients after comminuted fractures of the elbow joint in the post-immobilization period, was assessed. After applying rehabilitation measures, positive dynamics of the indicators of the cardiovascular, respiratory system and musculoskeletal system studied was observed in men of both groups. However, it should be noted a more pronounced reliable nature of positive changes in the men of the main group, namely, the muscle strength of the injured limb increased, adaptation to physical activity improved and indicators based on the assessment scales for the ICF categories improved. The results of the QuickDASH questionnaire showed reliable indicators in the recovery of physical function and a significant reduction in functional limitations of the upper limb (p < 0.001).

Conclusions. The therapeutic exercises proposed using a block system, weights and an upper limb simulator for patients with comminuted fractures of the elbow joint in the post-immobilization period have a positive effect on the functional state of the damaged upper limb, namely, restoration of movements in the elbow joint and strengthening of the muscles of the injured limb.

Development of approaches for system skill-building in pharmaceutical literacy of the population

A. A. Kotvitska, A. V. Volkova — Mon, 26 May 2025 00:00:00 +0300

Aim. To develop approaches to the system development of pharmaceutical literacy skills among the population of Ukraine based on the results of the analysis of world approaches to its integration into national education systems.

Materials and methods. The study materials were scientific sources of information on the development of medical and pharmaceutical literacy skills and approaches to their assessment, reports of international and European organizations analyzed using general scientific and special research methods (content analysis, synthesis, generalization system, structural analysis, graphical methods).

Results. It has been determined that the introduction of system, nationally adapted pharmaceutical literacy education programs, starting from school age, is a key step towards the formation of a responsible attitude to the use of medicines and the own health in future generations. The analysis of international experience in implementing medical and pharmaceutical literacy programs in the EU, the USA and China demonstrates differences in approaches due to the distinctive features of national education and healthcare systems. Based on the results of the analysis of the structure and content of the curricula of secondary education institutions in Ukraine, a list of topics and issues for discussion during classes with students of grades 10-11 in the course “Natural Sciences” has been proposed, and the main sources of dissemination of pharmaceutical information for schoolchildren through the subjects of influence on them – parents, teachers, agemates – have been identified. According to the results of the study, a system for the formation of pharmaceutical literacy of the population has been proposed, taking into account the influence of educational, organizational and technological strategies, which provides for the formation of pharmaceutical literacy skills at the individual and population levels based on the development of its functional, communicative, critical and mathematical components.

Conclusions. The results of the analysis confirm the prospect of introducing a unified national approach to the system development of pharmaceutical literacy skills of the population. Thus, the study of the effectiveness of different models of integration of pharmaceutical literacy into education, as well as the development of standardized tools for assessing its level among the population and the study of the long-term impact of educational interventions on epidemiological indicators and the quality of health of the population and on the economic costs of the healthcare at the national and patient levels is a promising direction for further development.

The research on factors influencing the state of the implementation of the pharmaceutical waste management system in healthcare institutions

V. V. Vinohradskyi , S. M. Kovalenko — Mon, 26 May 2025 00:00:00 +0300

Aim. To study the state of the implementation of the pharmaceutical waste management system in the activities of healthcare institutions.

Materials and methods. The questionnaire method, analytical-comparative, systemic, logical, mathematical-statistical methods and the questionnaire method were used when assessing the survey results.

Results. It is worth noting that in order to enter the global pharmaceutical markets and in connection with Ukraine’s obtaining the status of a candidate for EU membership, the problem of implementing a pharmaceutical waste management system in domestic healthcare institutions is acute. Sociological studies of the state of the implementation of the pharmaceutical waste management system in domestic healthcare institutions were conducted using a questionnaire survey and the analysis of the information received. Factors that complicate the implementation of a pharmaceutical waste management system in the activities of healthcare institutions were identified. The main internal factors influencing the effective functioning of the pharmaceutical waste management system were identified, namely: resources (the enterprise size, financial capabilities), leadership of management, relevant competencies of the personnel of environmental structures, awareness and involvement of management and all personnel, desire to strengthen the brand of the enterprise.

Conclusions. It has been proven that in order to improve the environmental development of Ukraine, it is important to adopt the experience of European countries that are actively implementing modern pharmaceutical waste management systems. This includes the introduction of new highly efficient methods of collection, transportation, storage, processing, utilization and disposal of waste. The expediency of introducing a pharmaceutical waste management system as a standardized tool for implementing the environmental policy of healthcare institutions has been substantiated. The main factors that complicate the implementation of the pharmaceutical waste management system have been identified. They are the absence of advisory, methodological, and information support from the state, the lack of knowledge and skills of the personnel regarding the pharmaceutical waste management system, the lack of motivating incentives and supervision from the state, excessive costs for actions and procedures provided for by the current legislation, annual inspections, etc.

Development of methodological approaches to the effective implementation of the socially oriented policy in the pharmaceutical market of Ukraine

O. S. Samborskyi, H. L. Panfilova, Yu. V. Baihush — Mon, 26 May 2025 00:00:00 +0300

Aim. To develop methodological approaches to the effective implementation of the socially oriented policy in the pharmaceutical market of Ukraine

Materials and methods. Historical, analytical-comparative, systemic, graphic, logical, hypothetical-deductive and other methods of theoretical research were used. The study subject was the system of pharmaceutical provision for the population in Ukraine under the conditions of strengthening the humanistic principles of the social development.

Results. Based on the results of theoretical research, methodological approaches for the effective implementation of a socially oriented policy in the pharmaceutical market have been developed. The goal has been defined, the tasks have been outlined, and the nature of the functioning of the specified policy in the pharmaceutical market has been described. The main functions (social, stabilizing, stimulating, integrating, controlling, organizational-coordinating, information-correcting) of the implementation of the specified policy have been presented and described. The principles of its implementation in the pharmaceutical market have been outlined with an assessment of the priority of their implementation, which makes it possible to divide them into two groups. The levels (international, national, regional, microeconomic), subjects and objects, terms, conditions and objective obstacles to the effective implementation of the socially oriented policy in the pharmaceutical market of Ukraine have been determined. The directions for implementing the specified policy have been presented in accordance with the levels of pharmaceutical care provided to the population (life-supporting, health-saving, and service level). Based on the results of the systematization and generalization of the research conducted, a strategic dossier has been developed for the process of implementing the socially oriented policy in the pharmaceutical market of Ukraine in accordance with the goals of the National Drug Policy.

Conclusions. The implementation of this policy in various directions, levels and terms of its implementation will form an objective basis for transforming the content of relations between the state, society and drug manufacturers on the way to achieving socially fair access of the population to effective medicines in the conditions of the existing resource support of the healthcare system.

The substantiation of the cost optimization for ER(+) HER2(−) breast cancer hormone therapy based on the results of the cost minimization pharmacoeconomic analysis

O. Ya. Mishchenko, V. Yu. Adonkina, Iu. I. Greshko — Mon, 26 May 2025 00:00:00 +0300

Aim. To determine the most cost-effective drugs among aromatase inhibitors and antiestrogens used in hormone therapy regimens for the ER(+) HER2(−) breast cancer according to the results of the pharmacoeconomic analysis.

Materials and methods. The pharmacoeconomic analysis by the cost minimization method of hormone therapy regimens for patients with the ER(+) HER2(−) breast cancer using aromatase inhibitors and antiestrogens was performed.

Results. In order to determine the least expensive drugs among aromatase inhibitors and antiestrogens used for the treatment of the hormone-dependent breast cancer, a limited cost minimization analysis was conducted for 6 trade names (TNs) of anastrozole, 12 TNs of letrozole, 5 TNs of exemestane and among antiestrogens by international non-patent name (INN): tamoxifen, toremifene and fulvestrant, each of which is represented by 3 TNs. The indicator of a one-year course of treatment with drugs at average wholesale prices was calculated. The following drugs were determined as the ones with the least cost of a one-year course of treatment for the hormone-dependent breast cancer: among TNs of toremifene – Fareston tab., 60 mg, No. 60 (10493.49 UAH); among TNs of tamoxifen – Tamoxifen-Zdorovya tab., 10 mg, No. 60 (2071.56 UAH); among TNs of fulvestrant – Fulveject sol. for inj., 250 mg / 5 ml sirynge, No. 2 (81227.78 UAH); among TNs of letrozole – Letrozole-Vista AS film-coated tab., 2.5 mg (5907.19 UAH); among TNs of anastrozole – Anastrozole-Vista film-coated tab., 1 mg (7737.36 UAH); among TNs of exemestane – Exemarin sugar-coated tab., 25 mg (6 838.36 UAH).

Conclusions. Based on the results of the limited cost minimization pharmacoeconomic analysis conducted, the expediency of using drugs with the lowest cost for a one-year course of the hormone-dependent breast cancer treatment has been substantiated, provided that they are equally effective among aromatase inhibitors and antiestrogens. The inclusion of selected drugs in the list of public procurement provides an opportunity to optimize the costs for treating the hormone-dependent ER(+) HER2(−) breast cancer and optimally spend financial resources on healthcare.

Prospects for expanding the range of medicinal products based on velvet antlers

Mon, 26 May 2025 00:00:00 +0300

Reindeer antlers (maral, bison, spotted deer) have long been used in folk and official medicine in the world. Despite a significant number of studies of antlers as sources of biologically active substances (BAS), the study of their synergistic properties and diverse current aspects of application, the range of the raw material and products in the pharmaceutical market of Ukraine requires a more detailed study.

Aim. To determine the feasibility of creating new medicines from antler BAS by analyzing the range of the medicinal raw material, medicines, dietary supplements and other pharmacy products based on antlers in the pharmaceutical market of Ukraine.

Materials and methods. The analysis of the range of medicines and dietary supplements was carried out based on data from the State Register of Medicines of Ukraine, the electronic resource Compendium.online, according to the ATC classification system as of January – February, 2025. Information on retail prices was obtained from the online service www.tabletki.ua and available online marketplaces. The methods of information and bibliographic search, systematization, analysis and generalization, comparative, marketing, content analysis and graphic were used in the work.

Results. Based on the results of the study, it was determined that only one product name with the antler raw material was registered as a medicinal product – “Pantocrin”, liquid extract, 50 ml, manufactured by Ternopharm (Ukraine). Among the entire product range, the share of dietary supplements is almost 93 %. The main suppliers of these products are foreign manufacturers from China and the USA, which total share is 63.6 %, domestic manufacturers account for 25 % of the range. It has been found that the domestic pharmaceutical market contains the raw material of antlers (slices, powder), dry and liquid extracts, liquid dosage forms (tinctures, drops, elixirs), tablets, pills, capsules, creams, cream-balms, gels, sprays and teas.

Conclusions. The results obtained have shown the prospects of developing new domestic complex and combined medicines, which include BAS of antlers. However, it is necessary to take into account possible contraindications to their use.